We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Owner description: Birds of prey have always inspired awe. Sadly, they are threatened in many parts of the world. When you experience them up close, you learn that they are more than predators from the sky; they are essential to maintaining the delicate eco-balance of our planet.
The Raptors offer compelling and interactive experiences with a variety of birds of prey species including eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. Get closer than you ever imagined to these majestic and intelligent creatures. Flying demonstrations, hands-on encounters and educational talks offered daily (April - October).
The Raptors is located in the heart of the beautiful Cowichan Valley, just 60 minutes north of Downtown Victoria and 45 minutes south of Downtown Nanaimo by car.

By chance, I located the 'Raptor Center' on tripadvisor before we started our vacation. Even after reading a few reviews, we were not sure what to expect.

We made the drive from downtown Victoria in one hour just in time for the flight demonstration.

What an incredible experience. On more than one occasion my wife and I ducked as the Bald Eagle passed overhead just inches above the visitors. The eagle knew exactly what she was doing and there was no risk of collision. Our three children went from moderately interested to extremely interested in Raptors durring the course of the presentation.

After the presentation, we wandered the center for over an hour. The variety and layout of the site was excellent and there was plenty of time to view each raptor. In front of each enclosure, there was interesting information about each Raptor on a plaque.

The staff and volunteers were very knowledgable and eager to answer any questions.

We have visited many tourist attractions in Victoria and this location is by far the best value. Raptor's may not be of interest to many but if you are looking for something different and educational for your children, this is a great place to visit.

At closing time, I almost had to drag my children out of the gift shop.

Highly recommend!

Visited August 2013

Helpful?

Thank Arthur H

Report

Ask Arthur H about The Raptors

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

mustangbonnieCanada

Mill Bay, Canada

Level 6 Contributor

125 reviews

50 attraction reviews

84 helpful votes

“A Must See”

Reviewed August 4, 2013

Though I live in the area I had never visited this attraction. It seems when you have company come to town you look for interesting places to visit and this sure is one. It was amazing to see these large birds up close. They are more beautiful than I ever imagined.

I have an Eagle tree down the road from my house and watch them perch upon it all the time. I have never been so close to this magnificent bird though. There are Owls and other birds to capture on your camera. They fly and return to their trainers, they are not just caged birds. The people there are well versed about each one of the species of birds and there is much to learn about birds there.

Visited July 2013

Helpful?

Thank mustangbonnieCanada

Report

Ask mustangbonnieCanada about The Raptors

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Warren U

Mill Bay, BC

Level 4 Contributor

33 reviews

6 attraction reviews

11 helpful votes

“Very well worth a visit.”

Reviewed August 4, 2013

Grandchildren & teens from the prairies visit this venue every visit to the island. Adults enjoy it and learn as much as the children . Seeing the raptors up close and personal as well as their flying ability is truly amazing.

Visited July 2013

Helpful?

Thank Warren U

Report

Ask Warren U about The Raptors

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

SentimentalLady

Victoria, Canada

Level 5 Contributor

59 reviews

29 attraction reviews

33 helpful votes

“Worth visiting”

Reviewed August 4, 2013

I kept my expectations low, since I've seen some great exhibits and shows over the years at various zoos, Disney World, and other big-name places.

This was just as good in different ways, for other reasons. It's so nice to experience these things in their natural surroundings instead of at a busy attraction in a park with thousands of people, in the middle of a big city.

Definitely worth it to go.

Visited September 2012

Helpful?

1Thank SentimentalLady

Report

Ask SentimentalLady about The Raptors

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.